(CNS): The Mosquito Research and Control Unit (MRCU) has recently upgraded its fleet of foggers with two new 2016 Toyota Hilux pick-up trucks, as part of their ongoing preventative measures against the threat of the Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, vector for the Zika virus.

The addition has increased MRCU’s fleet from 11 to 13, with eight vehicles now in Grand Cayman, four in Cayman Brac and one fogging truck in Little Cayman.

MRCU director Dr William Petrie said of the added resources: “Government agreed to the acquisition of these vehicles, in fact they volunteered the funding because they recognised that we were short of vehicles. They have been fitted-up and they are going be used as transport for the disease prevention officers, but also as fogging trucks.”

Not only are the four-wheel drive, diesel-powered vehicles “fitted for purpose” with fogging machines used in decreasing the population of mosquitoes, but they also each have a built-in computer system. Called the “Monitor 4s”, the new system allows staff to track the location of each vehicle, insecticide volume usage, type of insecticide used, the driver’s name and the amount of acres sprayed. It is also equipped with spray-on and spray-off indicators, which differentiate which area was sprayed from which was not.

“This system gives us the ability to do detailed reporting for inventory and chemical usage, along with confirmation of correct route being sprayed,” explained MRCU senior superintendent John Smith.

“For example if someone calls us and asks, ‘Where was the truck last night?’ or ‘Why was the truck in a particular area?’, we can go back and extract that information. It’s also variable flow, meaning it sprays the required dosage of insecticide regardless of the speed of the truck.”

As an added bonus, MRCU was also able to secure the trucks at less than retail price.

What’s Happening in the Cayman Islands

The Department of Vehicle and Drivers’ Licensing (DVDL) offices will be closed on Wednesday, 18 September, to facilitate a staff meeting, training and team building exercises. All DVDL offices will resume business as usual on Thursday, 19 September.

The National Conservation Council will hold a general meeting on Wednesday, 11 September, starting at 2pm at the Government Administration Building room 2112 (2nd floor). The agenda for the meeting is attached below.

On Monday, 9 September, Fort Street will be closed between Harbour Drive and the junction with Edward Street (Clock Tower) in order to facilitate the Laying in State of the late John McLean, MLA. The closure will take place from 7:45am to 8:30am and again from 3:15pm to 4:00pm.

The Customs and Border Control Service (CBC) would like to inform customers of UPS who may be experiencing delays with receiving their imported goods that the delays are not caused by CBC. They are the result of a private commercial issue between two local on-island agents that provide services for UPS.

The Protocol Office requests individuals, businesses and organisations, who wish to lower their flags to half-mast ahead of the funeral of the late John McLean, MLA, to do so at 9.05am on Monday, 9 September.

The Cayman Islands Seafarers Association reminds all members that the September Social will take place on Tuesday 17 September at 7:00pm in the Seafarer’s Hall, 11 Victory Ave, Prospect. It is expected that all will wear their CISA shirts.

WORC (Workforce Opportunities and Residency Cayman) would like to inform the public that the extended hours offered on Wednesdays at the Immigration Headquarters will end as of Monday, 30 September. Normal office hours from 8:30am to 4:00pm will resume thereafter.

The Mercuryman Triathlon takes place on Sunday, 8 September, starting at 6:45am at Eden Rock on South Church Street, George Town. The bike portion of the event will begin in front of Eden Rock and participants will travel to East End via South Sound Road, Shamrock Road, Bodden Town Road, Sea View Road and the […]

The Department of Planning in the Ministry of Commerce, Planning and Infrastructure will host an information session on the planning application and permit process at the Family Life Centre on Thursday, September 5, 2019, 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The aim of the session will be to provide information and guidance on the planning process […]

By submitting a problem to cnslocallife.com, you grant Cayman News Service Ltd permission to publish it on our websites. Your full name and contact details will never be included or distributed. The advice columnist acting on behalf of Cayman News Service Ltd is expressing personal opinions and views and the advice offered is intended for […]